claire

The truth is these “about” things are hard to write. I could tell you that I am a wife to my husband whom I love and I am a mother to three wonderful children. I could write a bunch of sentiments that paint a picture that shows I have it all together, whatever it is. But I don’t. And I won’t. In fact, the older I get, the less together I realize I have anything at all.

I grew up in Tennessee and feel like no matter where I live, a part of my heart will always be there.

I love to read which is one reason I pursued a graduate degree in literary studies. When I say I love to read I don’t mean that in a cliche, see-I’m-so-bookish way. I am actually a devourer of books. A real snob. I want real books and if their words have a beautiful typeface and great paper with those uneven edges I know I am in for a real treat.

I enjoy trying out new recipes but I can be really sensitive if I make something new and no one in my family oohs and ahhs over it. Oh wait! I can be really sensitive about everything. If you don’t believe me, ask my husband.

I also love to be outside. I am not a runner or hiker or jogger. I just like to be outside. I like to feel the penetration of sunshine into my skin. I need the exposure to the fresh air in my lungs. Every year at the beach I will literally sit with my body sunk in the sand, tide washing over my feet and I’ll take many, many deep breaths to store up until the next time I can sit at the edge of the world.

I am a worrier by nature. But I am also a Christian. And my faith asks me “who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” {Luke 12:25} I still haven’t figured this one out. I know I am not supposed to let the troubles of life weigh me down, but my motto has always been if I don’t worry then who will worry for me?

I used to make fun of women who drove mini-vans and made even more fun of people who chose to home school their kids. I probably don’t even need to finish that sentiment because as you may have guessed, I have done both now.

We are a military family now. My husband and I both taught high school (him, biology and me, English) when we were first married. Following that, we spent almost six years working in a church ministry in a full-time, vocational capacity. In 2011, we felt God calling us and opening doors for us to pursue military chaplaincy. And by we, it is totally we. If you don’t know anyone in the military, then you may not realize that a military lifestyle is that not only of the soldier, but also of the soldier’s entire family.

Who knows where our future will lead us. But I know that as long as we keep our ears and hearts attuned to God and His will for us, we will walk the road He has placed us upon.